We are lovers of a buffet that can take you all around the world in one go and now Pittsburgh is getting its own global dining center at Opal Buffet, coming to The Waterfront in late summer/early fall. A project from Opal Group, the brains behind popular dumpling spot Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao in SouthSide Works, Opal Buffet plans to bring luxury to the buffet world with stylish serving stations, ambient dining, private rooms for parties of over 200 guests, as well as a large central bar that the whole place operates around. It’s not just a place for dining, it’s a place for enjoyment.
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New Opal Buffet Set to Debut at The Waterfront with International Cuisine
At Opal Buffet, you’ll be able to dish up just about every type of cuisine you can think of. Craving something of a Chinese buffet? What about a fresh seafood bar? Already have your mind on dessert? Don’t worry, Opal Buffet will house all this and so much more that even your stomach won’t be sure where to start with so many options.
“Opal Grand Buffet is an international style dining experience,” says Andy Qian from Opal Group. “It features food from diverse cultures like Brazilian churrasco, Southeast Asian grilled seafood, fresh sushi, and different regions of China are represented as well.”
All ingredients for Opal Buffet focus on quality first, meaning a seasonal, rotating menu is in store and changes as the year goes on. But, don’t worry if you’re not much of a food traveler, America is absolutely one of the core parts of international dining. After all, it’s where so many cultures come together to create something new and widely appealing.
“It [Opal Buffet] will feature a wide range of menu options based on seasonality,” explains Qian. “American food culture will certainly be part of the fusion.”

Where’s the Location?
The buffet comes to The Waterfront area in the previous Rock Bottom space that’s right across from Dave and Buster’s and near the AMC Waterfront Theater complex, providing a place for families, coworkers, and friends to gather no matter if it’s for lunch or dinner. After Opal Group’s time running Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao, the buffet establishes another hub for community members to experience what Pittsburgh has to offer from the restaurant itself to the area surrounding it.
“Opal is rooted in Pittsburgh and a good representation of Pittsburgh’s diverse culture in addition to the food,” says Qian. “The experience and selection will be a good destination dining spot for local communities.”
Keep an eye out for updates and an official opening date through Opal Buffet’s Instagram. Currently, the restaurant is in the process of hiring staff.
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About the Author
Kylie Thomas is TABLE Magazine’s Online Editor, covering Pittsburgh food, drink, and going out, including the Things to Do in Pittsburgh column. A Point Park University graduate, her work has also appeared on The Takeout, QBurgh, and Empire Extreme. She also runs the photography business Photos by Ky.
Photos Courtesy of Opal Group
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